to think it's weird to not do anything while the kettle boils....

If OH is making a cuppa he'll literally stand next to the kettle while it boils, stand watching the tea brew etc, while I on the other hand use the time to do a spot of tidying - putting dishes away or washing up a couple of plates, wipe down the counter.....at the very least, get the mugs ready with coffee/ sugar/ teabags or whatever....I think it's really weird to just stand there while the kettle boils - AIBU?

that's the thing - I would get it if he's looking on his phone or doing something that's obviously downtime (watching the birds etc) ....but he's just watching the kettle or the mug and not daydreaming because he hears the kids talking to him etc - just says he can;t answer them because he's busy?

I do squats when the kettle boils. Also when the microwave is on for a short time. Or see how many times I can run up and down the stairs. I have a very sad life, I know. (this is the total extent of my exercise. I'm not some fitness freak. I wish!)

I agree. DH goes to make tea / dinner, & that's literally all he'll do. Even if there's times when he's waiting because it's coming up to the boil, simmering, whatever. I make use of the spare time to wash up, tidy, do extra jobs etc. We are at opposite ends of the spectrum WRT our attitude to tidiness - I want it all done Right Now, he'd procrastinate until Hell froze over. I've tried leaving it for him to do... He will literally never get round to doing it.

Jozxyqk - so true of mine also - - - have you done that thing where you leave something on the stairs to see how long it will stay there if you don't put it away? I could;t last more than a week to be fair, but I'm confident it would be into the months!!